Strawberries, beloved as America’s favorite fruit for their taste, are now gaining recognition for potential health benefits, particularly in promoting heart health. At the recent Nutrition 2024 conference in Chicago, a new study highlighted the positive effects of strawberries on cardiovascular health and glucose control. Presented by Dr. Lasantha Krishan Hirimuthugoda, a postdoctoral research associate at the Illinois Institute of Technology, the study focused on assessing the dose-related impacts of strawberry consumption on endothelial function and glucose regulation.
The study involved 36 women and 32 men, aged between 20 and 62 years, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 29.8±4.8 kg/m2. Researchers investigated the effects of daily strawberry intake over a 4-week period on flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a key indicator of endothelial function linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
The results showed that daily strawberry consumption significantly improved FMD% compared to the control group, indicating a dose-response relationship (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.001). Preliminary analysis of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data did not reveal significant differences between the interventions (Kruskal-Wallis test, p>0.05). However, logistic regression models, which considered FMD responses and a 2% increase in FMD as markers of reduced CVD risk, demonstrated that strawberry intake was associated with an 8-fold reduction in CVD risk compared to the control group (p<0.001). Sensitivity analyses, accounting for missing data, confirmed similar findings (odds ratio ranging from 8.029 to 7.029, p<0.001 to p=0.002).
Beyond their health benefits, strawberries are widely accessible and cherished for their flavor across the United States. A single cup serving of approximately 8 strawberries meets the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and provides a range of other essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. Available year-round, strawberries offer a versatile and convenient fruit option enjoyed by both children and adults alike.